Metra Electronics Corporation

Circuit Works, Inc.

Other

Charles David Daly

William H Jones, Jr

R Spencer Quilling, Ii

William H Jones

A steering wheel control interface module that can automatically detect the type of vehicle it is installed in and automatically detect the type of aftermarket radio it is sending messages to. In addition, the interface module can retain certain user pre-selects and use those to properly set the state of an aftermarket radio.

Steering wheel interface module with retained presets

An override module allowing a vehicle operator to default the status of an automated start-stop system to 'off.' A first embodiment uses a module that is installed in-line with a manual override button. A second embodiment uses a module that is installed on the vehicle's CAN bus.

Start stop override module

An override module allowing a vehicle operator to default the status of an automated start-stop system to 'off' A preferred embodiment uses a module that is installed on the vehicle's CAN bus.

An override module allowing a vehicle operator to default the status of an automated start-stop system to 'off'. A first embodiment uses a module that is installed in-line with a manual override button. A second embodiment uses a module that is installed on the vehicle's CAN bus.

An interface/electronics module for reading information from a vehicle data bus and controlling functions available through the vehicle data bus. A graphical user interface is provided. The interface may include a stand-alone tablet computer or may be part of an integrated and permanently-mounted display. The interface/electronics module may include the functionality of the factory audio system (such as a radio tuner, power amplifier, etc.). In addition, the interface/electronics module is able to transmit commands via the vehicle's CAN bus.

Touchscreen-based vehicle interface

An interface configured to allow desired cooperation between an OEM or aftermarket head unit and an external power amplifier. The inventive interface receives an audio input signal from the head unit. It also monitors the vehicle's CAN bus. The interface detects CAN bus commands that cause the head unit to play an audio notification signal such as a 'chime.' Upon detecting such a CAN bus command, the inventive interface selectively adjusts the output level so that the user hears the audio notification signal at an appropriate volume.

External amplifier interface

An interface and corresponding method, where the interface is connected via a first connection to a factory data bus of a vehicle which transports signals according to a first data format, and further connected via a second connection to a data channel of the aftermarket component which transports signals according to a second data format. The interface identifies a factory data bus type corresponding to the factory data bus, out of a plurality of potential factory data bus types. The interface receives digital signals from the aftermarket component via the second connection, the digital signals being in the second data format which corresponds to the aftermarket component. The interface translates the digital signals into the first data format which corresponds to the identified factory bus type. The interface transmits the translated digital signals in the first data format to the vehicle via the first connection.

Method and apparatus for integration of factory and aftermarket vehicle components

A method for automatically detecting a control signal configuration of a vehicle component includes making a connection to a channel of the component, performing an electrical measurement on the channel, and identifying a control signal configuration based upon the measurement. A method for sending control signals from one vehicle component to another includes making a connection on a channel of one component, making a connection to a channel of the other component, performing electrical measurements on the channels, identifying control signal configurations based upon the measurements, and configuring a control signal interface. A control signal interface includes an input unit, a signal processing unit, and an output unit. The input and output units each can connect to a channel of a vehicle component and perform an electrical measurement. The signal processing unit can determine control commands based upon control signals.

Methods and systems for automatic detection of vehicle configuration

An aftermarket steering wheel control includes a housing that includes a user-operable switch and a control module. The control module is configured to determine whether the user-operable switch has been operated, generate a data frame corresponding to a control signal for operating a vehicle component, and transmit the data frame to a receiver of a control signal interface. Another aftermarket steering wheel control includes a housing with a user-operable switch and a circuit with an output line. The output line is connected to the switch and further connected to a control signal interface. Operation of the user-operable switch changes a resistance on the at least one output line, and the control signal interface is configured to convert the resistance to a control signal for operating a vehicle component.

Methods and systems for providing accessory steering wheel controls

Methods and systems for automatic detection of steering wheel control signals

An installation kit for adapting a vehicle for installation of an after-market autosound head units includes a panel having a standard-sized receptacle for receiving the aftermarket stereo. A user interface is provided on the front surface of the panel, by which a user can operate a climate control system of the vehicle. A controller is disposed at a back surface of the panel and is adapted to control the climate control system in accordance with user input to the user interface.

Growing community of inventors

Somerville, NJ, United States of America

Charles David Daly